Master of Arts

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts qualification by coursework is to consolidate, deepen and intensify the learners' theoretical and conceptual knowledge and expertise in the specialised fields. It provides the learners with the opportunity to study human behaviour and actions. Within the different fields of specialisation, this qualification provides learners with advanced intellectual education in research, analysis, and writing.

The methodologies and techniques will prepare learners to undertake an approved independent research project and construct new knowledge in their fields of specialisation (Anthropology, Archaeology, Heritage Studies, or Sociology).

The qualification will prepare learners as future public leaders, professionals, or managers, with relevant and highly valued specialised knowledge of society's establishments, cultures, and ethics.

The qualification will provide learners with an advanced understanding and appreciation of the complexity of archaeological theory and a capacity to develop analytical and research skills for engaging with the diversity of issues arising around archaeology.

Learners will also develop a deeper knowledge of contemporary and classic anthropology and will develop skills to understand and evaluate the social construction of gender and its intersections with other socially constructed categories of difference.

Learners will develop as critical and reflective practitioners and specialists in heritage studies with an advanced understanding of the complexity that heritage represents, and the role of theory in accounting for this multifaceted, polysemic and contested phenomenon.

Furthermore, learners will be able to explore major theoretical themes within sociology and develop analytical and research skills for engaging with the diversity of issues arising from society and the everyday lived experience.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Illustrate an advanced and integrated understanding of discipline knowledge within their specialisation (Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage Studies, or Sociology).
• Evaluate theory and critique research within the respective specialisation (Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies or Sociology).

Systematic and sustained discussion and argumentation and integration of findings.

• Exhibit capacity to analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice.
• Demonstrate capacity to interpret and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Apply and integrate knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a specialist within Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies or Sociology.

Rationale

The underpinning aim is to produce learners who can apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship and as a pathway for further learning. The core modules will focus on the theory and methods of the respective disciplines (Anthropology, Archaeology, Heritage Studies, and Sociology), as well as the approach to the discipline-specific research. The electives will deepen knowledge and engagement in more specific fields (Anthropology, Archaeology, Heritage Studies, or Sociology) and the mini-thesis offers a practical application of research that will contribute to research and offer a platform for further postgraduate study or work in diverse settings.

The qualification will be beneficial to society as it will allow the Northern Cape community to have access to higher education without having to interrupt their work. The programme will be tailored to accommodate learners who may be working full-time. This will go a long way in redressing some of the inequalities and legacies of apartheid in the province and beyond. It will also benefit the local economy as it will sharpen locally based and prospective workers' knowledge and skill set. Many individuals working in several NGOs, museums, government departments, municipalities, and parastatals within the province and beyond will benefit from accessing this programme and it will expand their discipline knowledge and research skills. This qualification leaves an option for the learner to take up an elective from another discipline. This presents an opportunity to enhance the quality of the graduates as this allows them to synthesise innovative concepts and knowledge beyond discipline-specific approaches and boundaries to address society's common problems.

The Institution is the only university in the Northern Cape Province. Many individuals in the province have Honours degrees and are working in government, NGOs, and private sector etc and are keen to enhance their qualifications without having to leave their workplace. The contact sessions for this qualification will be scheduled to accommodate candidates who may be working full-time. For example, contact sessions will be in the late afternoons on campus. The coursework will be ideal for such learners as it will broaden and build skill sets and knowledge through a very structured programme.

This qualification is based on structured learning which enhances the support of learners and enables them to remain focused on completing it in minimum time. Moreover, the qualification may be completed in one year. This makes it ideal for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who do not have the financial means to spend a longer duration of study. Having both qualifications offered by research and by coursework will allow the institution to broaden its postgraduate programme and to cater for learners with different needs and support as highlighted above. This captures the need for this qualification.

The typical learners for this qualification will be those who would have completed their Honours and some may have joined the world of work in NGOs, government, and private sector, and those who will be advancing straight from the Honours to broaden exposure to the subject and balance with some exposure to independent research. These candidates will on completion have the option of either joining the industry or opting to pursue higher degrees afterwards. Those who may opt to join the industry after completion may return later after years of experience for higher qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Science, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 105 Credits.

• Research Project, 80 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 25 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 25 Credits (Select one)

• Advanced Archaeological Theory (Archaeology), 25 Credits.
• Advanced Anthropological Theories (Anthropology), 25 Credits.
• Advanced Heritage Practice (Heritage studies), 25 Credits.
• Critical Perspectives on Social Theory (Sociology), 25 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 50 Credits (Select two)

• Lithic Studies (Archaeology), 25 Credits.
• Complex Societies (Archaeology), 25 Credits.
• Archaeology and Rock Art (Archaeology), 25 Credits.
• Bioarchaeology, 25 Credits.
• Violence, Protest and Peace in Contemporary Societies (Anthropology), 25 Credits.
• Environment and Development in Contemporary Societies (Anthropology), 25 Credits.
• Management & Conservation of Cultural Resources (Heritage studies), 25 Credits.
• Heritage Education and Stakeholder Engagement (Heritage studies), 25 Credits.
• Heritage Tourism (Heritage studies), 25 Credits.
• Work and Labour in the Global Economy (Sociology), 25 Credits.
• Health and Society in a Global Context (Sociology), 25 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of discipline knowledge within their specialisation (Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies or Sociology).
2. Evaluate theory and critique research within the respective specialisation (Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies or Sociology).
3. Exhibit capacity to analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice.
4. Demonstrate capacity to interpret and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
5. Apply and integrate knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a specialist within Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies or Sociology.
6. Critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories as an expert within an area of specialisation and beyond.
7. Design and undertake complex research and apply established theories critically to a body of knowledge or practice and enhance the development of ethical standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Provide evidence of the understanding of and insight into the topic under investigation, nature, purpose and scope thereof.

Review related literature and relevant sources to determine a gap in research within the discipline.

• Demonstrate mastery over the theoretically sophisticated subject matter, exhibiting deep and comprehensive knowledge of a field or specialised area.
• State the research problem, research questions, aims and objectives.
• Provide evidence of specialist knowledge of and engagement in human and social sciences, (Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies or Sociology) in terms of the understanding of concepts, models, theories and theoretical frameworks relevant to these respective disciplines.
• Communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences.
• Apply specialist knowledge when critiquing, evaluating and appraising current leading scholarship and research practices in a disciplinary or interdisciplinary context.
• Use knowledge to justify and support their lines of argumentation, dialectics and discourse.
• Illustrate understanding of scientific research methods (qualitative and quantitative), methodologies, approaches and techniques such as processing, interpretation and analysis of data taking into account ethical considerations relevant in the respective disciplines, and presentation of results.
• Present and discuss knowledge and insights gained regarding their topic to audiences at seminars and colloquia.